Hotel Review: Hotel U14, Autograph Collection
When searching for lodging, I am always drawn to unique properties that stand out from the mainstream. Marriott's Autograph Collection brand satisfies this desire—a collection of independent hotels managed by one company, each boasting its own eccentric and trendsetting style. This is especially true for international Autograph Collection hotels. After discovering Hotel U14, Autograph Collection, online, I was instantly captivated by its fashionable and unconventional character. The friendly Finnish staff and design made for an unforgettable hospitality visit like no other. Here is my review of Hotel U14, Autograph Collection:
Hotel U14 is located at Unioninkatu 14, 00130 Helsinki, Finland.
What Card(s) Should You Use to Book?
I earn tons of Marriott Bonvoy points by using my American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points when you spend $5,000 within your first 3 months of card membership. The card earns 6X Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 3X points on dining and flights booked directly with airlines, and 2X on all other purchases. Paired with Marriott’s promotions and AMEX offers, it opens doors to endless points-earning opportunities.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card comes with great benefits that can substantially offset its annual fee.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card does come with a hefty $650 annual fee but offers tons of perks to significantly offset its costs. The card features the following benefits:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status
$25 monthly dining credit—$300 total in a year
$100 property credit when booked directly with Marriott and staying a minimum of two nights at Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis properties
An 85,000-point Free Night Award
Access to Priority Pass lounges
25 Elite Night Credits for chasing Marriott Bonvoy status
Even if you don’t stay at Marriott properties often, this card is still a must-have, in my opinion. It’s a true example of a keeper card that offers benefits that outweigh the annual fee.
If you’d like to apply for the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! Click HERE to access my referral link!
If you are looking for a Marriott Bonvoy credit card with a low annual fee, consider the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of three Free Night Awards after spending $1,000 in three months, each covering up to 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. I personally value Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.8 cents each, making the 105,000 points offer worth $840. The Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card earns 6X points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 3X points on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases every year on dining, grocery stores, and gas stations, and 2X points on all other purchases.
Be aware that 15 elite night credits from the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card can’t be combined with 15 elite night credits from the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card.
The Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card’s annual fee is $95, and it offers useful perks to offset the cost:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, the low-tier status offered in Marriott’s member ecosystem
A 35,000-point Free Night Award
15 Elite Night Credits that will help you achieve a higher Marriott Bonvoy status
Please note that you can’t combine Elite Night Credits from two Marriott Bonvoy personal credit cards, but you can stack Elite Night Credits from one personal and one Marriott Bonvoy business card. Thus, if you own both AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant and Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, you would only earn 25 elite night credits.
If you’d like to apply for the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you!
The last Marriott Bonvoy credit card you could use would be the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy points when you spend $5,000 within your first 3 months of card membership. Considering that the annual membership costs $125, you get paid to have the card! The card earns 6X Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 4X points on dining, U.S. shipping purchases, U.S. wireless telephone services, and at U.S. gas stations. All other purchases earn 2X points.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card is the only Marriott business card on the market.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card’s annual fee is $125, and it offers valuable benefits to justify the cost:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, the low-tier status offered in Marriott’s member ecosystem
A 35,000-point Free Night Award
15 Elite Night Credits, which can be combined with 15 Elite Night Credits from other personal Marriott Bonvoy credit cards
As you can see, the card’s benefits are less substantial than the ones from the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, but it is a great long-term keeper card due to its annual Free Night Award perk. Furthermore, it is absolutely necessary if you want to chase a higher Marriott Bonvoy status because it is the only Marriott business card that is on the market and will grant you an additional 15 Elite Night Credits. Lastly, even though it is a business credit card, it is very likely that you could get it approved. Check out my article on how to apply for a business credit card as a sole proprietor.
If you’d like to apply for the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! Click HERE to access my referral link!
Location
Hotel U14 is located in the heart of Helsinki. Vanha Kauppahalli—an 18th-century market selling traditional Finnish goods and food—is only a few steps away from the hotel, and you can visit nearby the most famous Finnish park in Helsinki, Esplanadi, a block away from the hotel. If you are coming from the central train station (Helsingin päärautatieasema), it will take you between 10 and 15 minutes on foot. Its central location makes Hotel U14 a great base when exploring Helsinki.
Lobby & Check-In Review
The elegant hotel lobby took me by surprise, with a mixture of Scandinavian and African/Safari design elements. From bright and bold throw pillows to light fixtures shaped like wild animals, the lobby was far more vibrant than I had expected.
The lobby was alive with color and personality, featuring distinct decorative elements ranging from peppy throw pillows to whimsical animal-shaped light fixtures.
I initially anticipated seeing many neutral undertones and very apparent Scandinavian interior design, similar to Nobis Hotel Stockholm's lobby, and I couldn’t be more wrong.
Hotel U14's lobby was a pleasant surprise with its departure from the typical neutral Scandinavian aesthetic.
During the check-in process, a helpful front desk representative provided an excellent overview of all amenities available such as breakfast and gym services. She even offered to help me with my itinerary if I was looking for specific things to do around town.
Hotel U14's front desk agents were truly exemplary. Their assistance was warm, welcoming and immensely helpful.
For my welcome gift, she offered extra Marriott points or €9 towards food and beverage, and I chose the daily food and beverage credit. Then, because the hotel doesn’t have a lounge, I was offered either extra 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy points or complimentary breakfast, of which I selected the breakfast option.
The lobby embraced nature in its design, allowing the beauty of wood and stone to flow through it.
After receiving Titanium Elite member benefits, the front desk agent informed me that I had been upgraded to one of the corner rooms. Elated to hear the news, I eagerly took hold of my card keys and went up to the fifth floor, where my corner king room was located.
Bedroom Review
Upon entering the room, I was mesmerized by a unique flooring layout; vibrant white and black pebbles were scattered thoughtfully in sync with glossy black marble tiling around its edges. It wasn't immediately obvious what each symbol suggested or represented, but it nonetheless created an engaging design that sparked my curiosity. The foyer was designed to maximize convenience and style, featuring a large mirror with an accompanying orange-velvet bench.
Upon entering the foyer, I was immediately struck by the eclectic charm of the bedroom.
I used it as a luggage rack, but it was perfect for quick makeovers or tying your shoes. Meanwhile, the bedroom floor boasted solid wood construction, giving it a premium yet cozy feel that I prefer in a hotel room.
The built-in closet had an espresso machine in case you were looking for it.
In my opinion, the bedroom was even more expressive than the lobby. My eyes were immediately drawn to the accent wall against the bed; the wallpaper displayed colorful illustrations of numerous plants and animals. For some reason, they reminded me of Egyptian murals, and I absolutely loved this bold wallpaper. The bed was a king-sized bed with an oversized dark navy velvet headboard, and the mattress was extremely comfortable.
After a long day of exploring Helsinki, I had restful sleep, nestled in the comfortable king-sized bed.
The hotel accommodated a variety of sleep preferences by providing two distinct pillow options; the fluffy style for those who want support and the flat option if you like to sink right into bed. The stylish throw pillow was an inspired addition to the already stunning accent wallpaper, with its vibrant zebras, peacocks, and palm tree illustrations. Each bedside had a generous nightstand equipped with an oversized lamp—one styled like a tropical pineapple in keeping with the overall room theme.
Harmoniously arranged in perfect balance, the furniture and light fixtures of this room blended together to create an inviting atmosphere with a unified theme.
To ensure guests could stay connected and powered up while away from home, each bedside featured both USB-A ports as well as convenient electrical outlets. The rest of the bedroom was a beautifully furnished living space with a few seating arrangements. Two stylish stackable glass coffee tables provided a chic centerpiece between the lush red velvet loveseat and comfortable lounge chair. Although tall people may not find it optimal, deep-seated cushions made napping on the loveseat inviting to me.
The living area was thoughtfully decorated with two chic stackable glass coffee tables and additional seating, elevating the space to an even more comfortable abode.
On the coffee table, a delightful bottle of champagne accompanied by some Finnish candies awaited me. A gracious welcome message from the hotel wished me a joyful stay, making my lodging experience emotionally gratifying and memorable. On the coffee table were a tasty bottle of champagne, a collection of Finnish candies, and a kind welcome message from the hotel wishing me a joyful stay. I always appreciate sweet welcome amenities, and I will never say no to complimentary champagne.
Iwould like to express my gratitude to Hotel U14 for their generous and considerate welcome gifts!
An elongated work desk also served as a media stand, and there was another gorgeous oversized lamp in a palm tree design, matching the accent wallpaper. You could chat with the front desk using the Marriott app, but U14 Hotel had a digital tablet that guests could use to browse restaurant menus or hotel amenities. Because these items preoccupied the desk space, I didn’t have enough room to set up a full-blown workstation, but I could use the desk to send out a few emails.
The desk also served as a media stand, and while it was slightly crowded, it was doable for sending quick work emails.
A large, wall-mounted television hung silently above the work desk; however, it lacked modern features and couldn't be considered a smart TV. Luckily, you could adjust the viewing angle and watch TV from the bed comfortably. A minibar was situated in the corner with a cute leather hippopotamus figurine on top of it.
The hippo was pretty sturdy, and after some research, I learned it was a footstool.
The minibar presented instant coffee sticks as well as coffee capsules for a Lavazza espresso machine.
If you are looking for an espresso machine, you can find it in the built-in closet by the foyer.
For alcoholic beverages, a slide-out mini-fridge has various options, including Hartwall Original Long Drink—a gin cocktail with natural grapefruit juice and citrus flavors.
If you want to get a taste of Finland, try the Long Drink. It’s a staple in Finland.
The bedroom at Hotel U14 had a delightful array of colors and designs that clearly expressed its brand identity. From the illustrative accent wall to decorative animal and plant objects, as well as materials like reflective coffee tables and brass finish desks, everything blended seamlessly while still having its own distinct flavor. It was lovely how each small detail truly made an impact on delivering the desired vibe, making for a flawless embodiment of intrepid design language.
Bathroom Review
The bathroom was compact but had more than everything I needed and wanted in a luxury bathroom. The bathroom featured a single sink vanity with a huge mirror, and wall light fixtures and recessed lighting made the space bright and inviting.
The bathroom was a haven of comfort and convenience, featuring modern amenities that provided an inviting atmosphere.
The bathroom walls were finished in glossy black subway tiles, and their reflective natures added a layer of glamour. A toilet was right by the sink, and it came with a handheld bidet as Hotel U14 prioritizes sustainable hospitality.
With how the toilet was positioned, the bathroom was ideal for solo use.
The toiletries were by I Love Eco Essentials—an environmentally conscious Danish cosmetics brand. The brand uses sustainable natural and organic ingredients free of silicon, parabens, dyes, or animal-derived ingredients.
Hotel U14 carefully selected I Love Exo Essentials as a toiletry brand with its environmentally conscious brand approach.
Behind glass doors was a walk-in shower with a rainfall shower head and a handheld option. The rainfall shower was blissful as it had excellent water pressure.
The shower and tub space had every shower head option you could imagine.
The toiletries were also by I Love Eco Essentials, and of course, they were in large communal bottles to reduce plastic waste from using smaller travel-sized bottles.
Operating according to the strictest sustainable criteria, 99% of the total ingredients in these products are from natural origins, and 10% of the total ingredients are from organic farming.
A soaking tub was the highlight of the bathroom, which was ergonomically designed and was deep and big enough to fit two young adults at once. A lamp behind translucent glass doors served as a source of ambient lighting, and I first thought I could open the glass doors, but it was locked.
The tub offered plenty of room for a pleasant soak, and any potential mess was easily managed with its built-in floor drain.
Similar to bathrooms in South Korea, the bathroom floor had a drain, which meant spilling water on the floor was no big deal. Be wary when adjusting the water temperature for the shower and bath, as the temperature could get really hot or cold. At Hotel U14, the bathroom featured a range of sustainable solutions that reflect Nordic culture. For example, guests were encouraged to reuse towels and save wastewater. There was also an emphasis on drinking clean Finish tap water, and being partnered with toiletries brands caring for the environment showcased this commitment further. The focus on sustainability and environmentalism contrasts with the culture at American hotels. As well as practical features in their use of sustainability practices, charming animal embroideries across bathware captured my heart.
These charming animal embroideries bring an extra layer of delight and cuteness to your bathwares.
The soaking tub was perfect for decompressing after exploring Helsinki. Overall, the bathroom was full of practical features and didn’t shy away from expressing its quirky identity.
Gym & Sauna Review
The gym was on the ground floor and was open daily, 24/7. The gym was quite standard for a European gym. Following the overall animal print theme from the bedroom, the entrance doors had decals of peacocks on them.
The hotel displayed animal decals in the gym, staying consistent with its animal loving ethos.
The hotel proudly demonstrated its commitment to sustainability by offering tap water over traditional bottled water. Guests could enjoy various cardio activities with the range of elliptical and treadmill machines, ensuring everyone had access to adequate exercise equipment—even if it wasn't state-of-the-art.
Despite not having the most up-to-date cardio machines, the gym still offered a decent selection of equipment for its guests.
Equipped with both dumbbells and kettlebells, tucked away in a quiet corner of the fitness center was my ideal spot for a full-body workout.
Given the size of the gym, there was only one adjustable bench for weights.
An adjustable bench provided additional exercises to target specific muscle groups while I had the gym entirely to myself. Rounding out its appeal was an all-in-one machine that allowed me to maximize progress without needing extra space.
You could drink clean Finnish tab water from the sink whenever you are thirsty.
To be frank, the gym wasn’t impressive compared to other boutique hotels, but the highlight of the gym awaited me at the back. When I opened the door next to the sink, the air instantly became steamy and hot because of a Finnish sauna.
Spending my evenings in the sauna had become a relaxation ritual during my stay, as it helped me to unwind and drift off into peaceful nights of sleep.
For guests who haven’t experienced Finnish sauna, the hotel kindly provided a list of rules for newcomers to follow, such as showering before the sauna, putting a towel down where you sit, and throwing water, also known as löyly, to the stove to amp up the heat. Be mindful that the sauna at Hotel U14 was unisex, which translates to wearing a swimsuit at all times.
There were plenty of fresh towels in the sauna area, so no need to bring your own from the room.
Nonetheless, because there was no dedicated change room, you may want to either change into a swimsuit in one of the shower rooms or privately back where you’re staying.
There was no cold plunge pool, but the sauna was a great introduction to Finnish wellness.
Visiting Finland and not experiencing a sauna would be remiss. At Hotel U14, you can arrange to use the limited-hours sauna by speaking with reception. Once you feel comfortable with using a sauna, I recommend making your way to check out other public saunas in Helsinki for a truly authentic experience, and you can learn about Finnish culture from locals as you cycle between time in the hot sauna and dipping your body into an icy cold lake outside to cool off your body. I had such wonderful memories of my visit to Löyly that it made me realize just how important this wellness ritual is in Finland. While the gym wasn’t particularly exceptional, the sauna changed the game. If you are into wellness and health, you’ll instantly fall in love with the Finnish sauna. Some hotels don’t have a sauna as an amenity, so take advantage of it and rejuvenate your body at Hotel U14 and mind the Finnish way.
Breakfast Review—Version Eatery & Garden
Breakfast was served at Version Eatery & Garden on the first floor daily from 7 AM to 10 AM on weekdays and 8 AM to 2 PM on weekends. The interior was slightly dim, but with tranquil music playing in the background, the setting was a perfect start to the morning.
Version Eatery & Garden created an elegant yet tranquil atmosphere by blending lush foliage and calming tunes to ensure a pleasant dining experience.
Because the restaurant embraced an open-kitchen concept, chefs would directly replenish hot food from the kitchen to individual hot stoves.
With the open-kitchen concept, you can witness all of the culinary excitement happening in real time.
For hot items, the restaurant served standard breakfast fares like breakfast sausages, scrambled eggs, and bacon but also presented more traditional dishes like Karelian pies with egg butter and paprika and onion pies, which was a creamier version of a quiche.
Karelian pies are traditional savory pastries commonly eaten throughout Finland and other adjacent countries like Estonia.
I was especially delighted with the delicate combination of black beans and lentils; their umami flavor melded perfectly with mild curry tones.
The paprika and onion pie was lightly flakey and had delicious umami notes.
There was an abundance to choose from, including flavorful cold cuts and rich cheese, plus some truly fresh smoked salmon.
The meat and cheese station was teeming with an abundance of fresh ingredients, particularly the smoked salmon.
The salad station was full of fresh veggies, and my favorite was the mozzarella tomato salad.
In addition to freshly squeezed juice, there was an espresso machine for your morning caffeine.
The main dessert on the menu was tiramisu, but I opted for Turkish yogurt with muesli and berry compote.
The muesli station was quite extensive with various nuts and seeds.
Though the compote was a little too tart for my liking, it was a popular choice for many local Finnish folks. Without a doubt, the best items on the menu came from the bread table.
Every piece of bread was warm, making it infinitely more delicious.
The sourdough rye bread was warm, which infinitely made the bread more tasteful, and so were the divinely buttery croissants. I accompanied croissants with gooseberry jam, and I ended my breakfast buffet on a high note.
I appreciated that Version Eatery & Garden put an emphasis on traditional Finnish breakfast dishes.
Bar Review—Version Drinkery
After a filling dinner at Nolla, I decided to take a nightcap and headed over to the Version restaurant on the first floor of the hotel. There was still an air of excitement in the restaurant owing to the conference that had concluded earlier. Perusing their creative cocktail menu with ingredients such as green tea or vanilla yogurt caught my eye, so I took up a seat at the bar instead of ordering one drink from table service.
Around the corner from Version Eatery & Garden, you will find Version Drinkery.
I was in the mood for something gin-based with tangy citrus notes. I received a recommendation from a bartender for Purple Lady, which was crafted with gin, Cointreau, and gooseberry.
The tartness from gooseberry complemented Nordic aromatics of the gin.
The cocktail was tart and packed an unusual spicy kick at the end. I used my daily food and beverage credit of €9, and with the cocktail being priced at €15, the food and beverage credit surely lowered the bill significantly.
Try some Finnish gin or other Nordic spirits when you are at Version Drinkery.
If you have either Platinum Elite status or higher, I suggest using the food and beverage credit to try inventive cocktails with Nordic ingredients. For whiskey connoisseurs, the bar also has an extensive list of whiskey, and I suggest going for Finnish whiskey tasting.
Positives & Negatives
Positives
One of the best perks of staying at Hotel U14 was the sauna. If you want to experience authentic Finnish culture, you must try the sauna. Don’t feel intimidated and get sweaty! Your body will thank you.
I respect the hotel for implementing fun and colorful design and utilizing various materials in the hotel. Hotel U14 wasn’t shy at incorporating and expressing its quirky brand identity through bold design.
The level of hospitality and service I experienced from the staff was superb. From the moment I stepped into the hotel, I was greeted with a warm welcome. The hotel staff delivered me a dental kit late at night without hesitation and explained hotel amenities in great detail with a smile. Every time I talked to any staff, everyone checked in with me to ensure my stay was smooth.
Negatives
I don’t have much to complain about, but if I were to nitpick, I would say that the gym was mediocre. However, the sauna made me completely forget about the gym.
Summary
Hotel U14, Autograph Collection, is a vibrant oasis in the heart of Helsinki, Finland. I nestled snugly into one of their corner rooms filled with illustrative animal wallpaper and colorful velvet furniture, offering fun while still maintaining its upscale character. For additional relaxation, I could unwind using the sauna or soak away all my worries in their inviting tubs. Complemented by attentive service from the hotel staff and a delicious breakfast buffet, my stay was remarkable. I highly recommend staying at Hotel U14 if you want to experience a vibrant and blissful lodging experience with excellent hospitality in Helsinki.
